CEWA has filed a policy grievance challenging the employer’s recent approach to internal job competitions involving employees with active discipline on file.
The employer has taken the position that it has the right to exclude employees from consideration in job competitions if they have active discipline, regardless of whether they meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
CEWA disputes this interpretation. Under the collective agreement, Article 14.10 outlines the process for filling vacancies and states:
“In selecting a person to fill a vacancy, the company will give 'first consideration' to applicants from within the bargaining unit, as identified in Clause 14.10, who meet the minimum qualifications outlined on the Job Posting. In making its decision, the Company will consider the following criteria (not listed in order of priority): related ability, education and job related experience and performance.”
CEWA maintains that the collective agreement requires the employer to give first consideration to all internal applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, including access to the interview process. The inclusion of performance as a factor allows for discipline to be weighed during the selection process—not used as a reason to bypass consideration entirely.
The policy grievance is currently in process, and CEWA is seeking a resolution that upholds the rights of all qualified internal applicants to be fairly considered in job competitions.
Members who have been denied the opportunity to apply or interview due to active discipline are encouraged to contact their CEWA representative.
